Surin Travel Guide

Plan your trip to Surin with our comprehensive travel guide that covers places to visit, hiking routes, best things to do, food and drink scene, where to stay, and more.


Introduction to Surin

Surin is an understated gem in Southern Isaan, Thailand. Known for its annual elephant festival and intricate wood-carvings, Surin is a perfect destination for travelers looking for a blend of history, culture and nature. Surin has a rich cultural heritage, from its ancient temples to the Khmer influence in its architecture, that dates back to pre-Angkorian times.

This travel guide to Surin covers everything you need to know to plan the perfect trip to this charming town in Thailand.

List of Places to Visit in Surin

Surin has so many places to explore, from its cultural attractions to natural wonders. Here are some of the must-visit sights and attractions in Surin:

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  1. Surinpuri Night Market - A bustling night market that offers local food, handicrafts, and live entertainment.
  2. Ban Tha Sawang Silk Weaving Village - A traditional silk-weaving village where you can watch the local artisans at work.
  3. Prasat Sikhoraphum - An ancient Khmer temple with intricate carvings and sculptures.
  4. Prasat Ban Phluang - A Khmer temple complex known for its stunning stone pillars and carvings.

Natural Attractions of Surin: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  1. Huai Saneng Reservoir - A beautiful man-made lake where you can relax, swim or fish.
  2. Pha Taem National Park - A scenic park known for its beautiful rock formations, waterfalls, and prehistoric rock art.
  3. Phanom Sawai Forest Park - A wildlife sanctuary where you can spot exotic birds, mammals and reptiles.
  4. Bueng Tonle Chum Wildlife Sanctuary - A wetland area where you can see various bird species, including the rare Sarus Crane.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Surin

Surin is a great place for hiking and biking, with scenic trails that take you through the lush countryside and offer glimpses of the local way of life. Here are some of the best routes to explore:

  1. Ban Nong Mek - A scenic biking route that takes you through rice fields, villages and temples.
  2. Chong Chom Border - A hiking trail that takes you across the Thai-Cambodian border, with beautiful views of the surrounding countryside.
  3. Flora and Fauna Trail - A nature trail that takes you through the forests of Phanom Sawai Forest Park, with opportunities to spot local wildlife.

Best Things to Do in Surin: Activities and Tours

Surin offers a wide range of activities and tours for travelers, from cultural experiences to outdoor adventures. Here are some of the best things to do in Surin:

  1. Elephant Village Tour - A guided tour that lets you observe elephants in their natural habitat and learn about their history in Surin.
  2. Surin Wood Carving Village Tour - A cultural tour that takes you through the wood carving villages around Surin, where you can see the skilled craftsmen at work.
  3. Thai Cooking Class - A fun and interactive cooking class that teaches you how to prepare delicious Thai dishes.

Week-Long Itinerary for Surin

Here’s a week-long itinerary for Surin that covers the best places to visit, things to do, and food to eat:

Day 1 Arrival and Check-in
Day 2 Visit Prasat Sikhoraphum and Ban Tha Sawang Silk Weaving Village
Day 3 Explore the Huai Saneng Reservoir and Pha Taem National Park
Day 4 Take a day trip to Phanom Sawai Forest Park and Bueng Tonle Chum Wildlife Sanctuary
Day 5 Visit Prasat Ban Phluang and Surinpuri Night Market
Day 6 Join an Elephant Village Tour and Thai Cooking Class
Day 7 Departure

Food and Drink Scene of Surin

Surin has a vibrant and diverse food scene, with local specialties and international cuisine. Here are some must-try dishes and local beverages:

Must-Try Dishes

  1. Kaeng Hang Le - A spicy pork curry made with tamarind and pickled garlic.
  2. Tam Kahnun - A spicy papaya salad with shrimp and peanut.
  3. Kuay Tiew Naem - A flavorful noodle soup with sour pork and vegetables.

Local Beverages

  1. Chang Beer - A popular Thai beer with a light and refreshing taste.
  2. Mekhong Whisky - A local whisky made from sugarcane and rice.

Where to Stay in Surin: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Surin has a variety of accommodation options, from luxury hotels to budget-friendly guesthouses. Here are some options to consider:

  1. Thong Tarin Hotel - A luxurious hotel with modern amenities and great views of Surin city.
  2. Bansaun Lung Rin Hotel - A quaint and cozy hotel with traditional Thai architecture and lush gardens.
  3. Ploy Resort - A budget-friendly resort with comfortable rooms and a swimming pool.

What to Buy in Surin: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Surin is known for its silk-weaving industry and wood-carvings, among other handicrafts. Here are some products to buy as souvenirs from Surin:

  1. Silk Products - Scarves, cushions, and other silk products woven by the local artisans.
  2. Wood Carvings - Intricate and unique wood carvings that showcase the local craftsmanship.
  3. Khon Mask - Traditional Thai masks used in classical dance and theater.

Local Culture and Customs of Surin

Surin has a rich cultural heritage, with influences from Khmer, Lao, and Thai cultures. Some customs and traditions of Surin include:

  1. Elephant Festival - A cultural festival that celebrates the history and heritage of elephants in Surin.
  2. Khmer Architecture - The architecture of Surin bears influences from the Khmer Empire, which dominated the region in ancient times.
  3. Unique Dialect - The dialect of Surin is distinct from the standard Thai language, with its unique vocabulary and intonations.

Best Time to Visit Surin

The best time to visit Surin is from November to February, when the weather is cool and dry. The annual elephant festival is held in November, which is a great time to experience Surin’s cultural heritage.

Do’s and Don’ts of Surin

Here are some do’s and don’ts to keep in mind while traveling in Surin:

Do:

  1. Respect local customs and traditions.
  2. Dress modestly, especially when visiting temples or other cultural sites.
  3. Learn some basic Thai phrases to communicate with the locals.

Don’t:

  1. Disrespect the local culture or customs.
  2. Touch or feed the wild animals in national parks or sanctuaries.
  3. Hike or bike in remote areas without a guide or proper equipment.

Safety and Health

Surin is generally a safe destination for travelers, but it’s always important to take precautions to stay healthy and safe during your trip.

Safety in Surin

  1. Be aware of your surroundings and avoid walking alone at night.
  2. Take care when renting a motorbike or driving in rural areas, as roads can be narrow and winding.
  3. Keep your valuables secure and avoid carrying too much cash or jewelry.

Health in Surin

  1. Drink bottled water and avoid tap water.
  2. Use insect repellent to avoid mosquito bites and the risk of dengue fever.
  3. Get vaccinated for common diseases like hepatitis A and B, typhoid, and tetanus before traveling.

Getting to Surin: Transportation Options and Logistics

Surin is well-connected by various transportation options, including flights, buses, and trains. Here are some options to consider:

Airports Near Surin

The nearest airport to Surin is Buriram Airport, which is located about 65 km away. There are daily flights to Bangkok and other cities in Thailand.

Bus Stations Near Surin

Surin has several bus stations that connect it to major cities in Thailand and neighboring countries. The main bus stations in Surin are Surin Bus Terminal and Prasaeng Sombat Tour.

Other Options

Surin is also accessible by train, with daily train services from Bangkok and other cities in Thailand. Taxis and rental cars can also be hired for convenient transportation.

How to Get Around in Surin

Surin can be easily explored on foot, but for longer distances, there are several transportation options available:

  1. Tuk-tuks - Three-wheeled taxis popular in Thailand, which offer a fun and affordable way to get around Surin.
  2. Motorbikes - Motorbikes and scooters can be rented for exploring the countryside around Surin.
  3. Songthaews - Pickup trucks converted into shared taxis, which follow designated routes and are a convenient way to travel longer distances.

Where to Go Next from Surin: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Surin is a great starting point for exploring other destinations in Southern Isaan and neighboring provinces. Here are some nearby destinations and excursions to consider:

  1. Khao Yai National Park - A beautiful national park known for its lush forests, waterfalls, and wildlife, located about 300 km from Surin.
  2. Ubon Ratchathani - A charming town on the banks of Mekong River known for its traditional silk-weaving industry and local temples, located about 250 km from Surin.
  3. Siem Reap - The gateway to the ancient temples of Angkor Wat, which can be accessed from Surin via the Poipet Border Crossing.

Conclusion

Surin is a charming town that offers a unique blend of history, culture, and nature. With this comprehensive travel guide, you can plan the perfect trip to Surin and explore all that this lovely town has to offer. From its ancient temples and museums to its scenic trails and local delicacies, Surin is ready to be discovered.

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